In Memory of Sister Bonita Determan

November 1, 1931 – April 12, 2019

Sister Mary Bonita Determan, 87, daughter of Raymond and Benita (Shire) Determan, was born Myra Wandera Determan on November 1, 1931, in Mason City, Iowa. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation from Mason City on September 8, 1949, and professed her perpetual vows on June 19, 1955. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, and a Master of Arts in Science from Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Bonita served as principal, elementary teacher for grades 5-8, CCD instructor, pastoral minister, hospice volunteer and elder care minister. Her ministries took her to Key West, Whittemore, Humboldt, Elkader, Osage and Mason City, all in Iowa, Oak Lawn, Illinois, and Monticello and Winona, Minnesota. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2009 and permanently retired to Mount Loretto in 2016. “I am filled with joy and gratitude to my God, my parents, family, priests and sisters in my life,” she recalled at her jubilee celebration. Sister Bonita enjoyed prayer, community service and visiting with family and friends.

Surviving are her sisters, Sister Rayanne Determan and Sister Donna Determan, her niece, nephews and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 69 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Donna Umbarger, and her brother-in-law, Robert Umbarger.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001, or online at www.dbqpbvms.org.